24
So Judas went out into all the surrounding parts of Judea, and took vengeance on the men who had deserted, and he prevented those in the city from going out into the country.
25
When Alcimus saw that Judas and those with him had grown strong, and realized that he could not withstand them, he returned to the king and brought wicked charges against them.
26
Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honored princes, who hated and detested Israel, and he commanded him to destroy the people.
27
So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a large force, and treacherously sent to Judas and his brothers this peaceable message,
28
"Let there be no fighting between me and you; I shall come with a few men to see you face to face in peace."
29
So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably. But the enemy were ready to seize Judas.
30
It became known to Judas that Nicanor had come to him with treacherous intent, and he was afraid of him and would not meet him again.
31
When Nicanor learned that his plan had been disclosed, he went out to meet Judas in battle near Caphar-salama.
32
About five hundred men of the army of Nicanor fell, and the rest fled into the city of David.
33
After these events Nicanor went up to Mount Zion. Some of the priests came out of the sanctuary, and some of the elders of the people, to greet him peaceably and to show him the burnt offering that was being offered for the king.
34
But he mocked them and derided them and defiled them and spoke arrogantly,